THESE Are the Best Fruits and Vegetables for Weight Loss

While a plant-rich diet is certainly ideal for maintaining a slim waistlineand reaping an array of nutritional benefits, you might be surprised to know that eating certain fruits and veggies can actually hinder weight loss—or worse, make you gain weight. But which ones? Scientists at Harvard set out to pinpoint the exact impact of different fruits and vegetables, and the results are fascinating.

The scientists monitored 130,000 people over the course of 20 years, and found that in general, increasing overall intake of fruits and vegetables was consistent with weight loss (no surprises there). However, starchy veggies like potatos, peas, and corn were actually poor performers, and consistent with the most weight gain—up to two pounds per week.

On the other hand, while we often hear that fruit isn't the best option for whittling our waists (since it's high in natural sugars), the scientists actually found that eating more fruit (particularly berries, apples, and pears) actually caused the most weight loss among study participants. The all-star veggies in the study included cauliflower, leafy greans, broccoli, radishes, and tofu.

It's all certainly interesting to consider, particularly if you've hit a plateau. But it's also probably no reason to ban peas from your kitchen—as long as you're getting your fill of plant matter, you're already doing a pretty awesome job.

And if you REALLY want to up the ante on your fruit and veggie consumption, why not put them on your face? (Your skin will love it as much as your waistline.) Try Juice Beauty's Green Apple Peel ($45).

Is there a surprising food that you've found has a major impact on your weight? Tell us in the comments below!